[1] She was launched on 23 December 1854 by the Bristol yard of G.K. Stothert & Co.[2][3] She had two sisterships built at the same shipyard, the Scamander and Araxes.

Soon after completion, James Moss & Co. chartered the Meander with both her sisterships to the French Government for use as troopships in the Crimean War.

She was purchased by Bibby Line the following year and reverted to her original name, although she was still referred to by the French and Lloyds Register as the Meandre.

After a decade of service she was sold in 1868 to Cie Generale Maritime of Antwerp and renamed Baron Lambermont for operating out of Belgium.

[4] She is subject of a print entitled "Launch of the HMS Meander, from the Clifton Works, Bristol, 1855", although she never served in the Royal Navy.